This Chinese Supercar Has Just Beaten The Mighty Bugatti Chiron
BYD’s Yangwang U9 Xtreme has set a new benchmark in automotive performance. On September 14, 2025, at Germany’s ATP Papenburg test track, the electric hypercar reached 496.22 km/h (308.4 mph). This makes it the world’s fastest production car, surpassing the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ which hit 490.4 km/h (304.8 mph) in 2019.
German driver Marc Basseng was behind the wheel during the run. He has previously set records in electric vehicles, and this attempt has cemented BYD’s place in the record books. For the first time, a Chinese manufacturer has overtaken long-established European players in the highest-profile performance category.
A Powerhouse of Engineering
The U9 Xtreme, or U9X, is a limited-edition version of BYD’s Yangwang U9. It produces 3,027 horsepower from four independent electric motors. Each motor generates 757 hp and revs up to 30,000 rpm. The output is more than double the 1,287 hp of the standard U9 model.
At the core of this powertrain is BYD’s new super silicon technology, using ultra-thin sheets just 0.1 millimetres thick. The car also runs on a 1,200V high-voltage system, higher than the 800V systems used in most EVs.
This architecture supports faster charging and more efficient power delivery, though the focus here is on delivering maximum performance. Energy comes from BYD’s Blade battery, capable of sustaining a 30C discharge rate for continuous high power output.
Stability at Extreme Speeds
Reaching nearly 500 km/h demands more than raw power. To keep the car stable, BYD designed special semi-slick tyres and updated its DiSus-X suspension system. The aerodynamics package was reworked, and the chassis was balanced specifically for stability above 300 mph. These engineering choices addressed the key challenge of directional control at record-breaking speeds.
The car also proved itself on a race circuit. At the Nürburgring Nordschleife, it clocked a lap time of 6 minutes and 59 seconds. This places it among the fastest production cars ever to tackle the demanding 20.8 km German track. The achievement shows the U9X is not just a straight-line machine but a track-capable hypercar.
Raising the Bar for Rivals
The new record changes the competitive landscape for hypercars. The Rimac Nevera, previously the leading electric benchmark, has a top speed of 415 km/h (258 mph). Even highly anticipated models such as the next Koenigsegg or Tesla Roadster will have to contend with BYD’s new standard. Combustion-powered rivals no longer hold an edge in ultimate speed.
Exclusivity is another defining feature. BYD will produce only 30 units of the U9 Xtreme worldwide. This limited availability, combined with its record-setting performance, will likely make it one of the most coveted hypercars on the market. The name itself, with “Xtreme” signifying its performance limits and “X” pointing to new frontiers, underlines its purpose.
What It Means for the Industry
The implications go beyond one car. BYD’s success shows that Chinese companies are now capable of delivering top-tier automotive technology. Electric powertrains, once dismissed for performance limitations, are now surpassing combustion engines on every measurable front.
The achievement comes at a time when the auto industry is under pressure to shift toward electrification. Regulators worldwide are enforcing stricter emission standards, and many markets are setting end dates for new combustion vehicle sales. BYD’s demonstration that EVs can deliver extreme performance as well as efficiency could accelerate acceptance among customers who previously doubted electric cars in high-performance roles.
This record also sends a message to traditional European hypercar makers. For decades, brands like Bugatti, Koenigsegg, and Ferrari set the benchmarks for speed. The U9 Xtreme has shown that leadership in automotive performance is no longer confined to Europe.
With only a handful of cars being made, the U9 Xtreme will remain a rare sight. But its influence will extend far beyond those 30 units. It signals a future where electric hypercars set the pace, and where Chinese engineering is part of the top tier in global performance.